Philip Rivers buzz bringing 'new energy' to NC State campus
NC State is targeting former Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers to become its next head football coach, with Rivers publicly acknowledging that discussions with the university have taken place.
- Rivers is one of the most decorated players in NC State history, winning ACC Athlete of the Year, ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year.
- "It's huge to have a big name and a leader that really wants to put NC State back on the pedestal that it was when we had Jimmy V(alvano) and all these great coaches.
- One of the biggest questions surrounding Rivers would be the staff and organizational structure built around him given his lack of college coaching experience.
A Rivers hire would also continue a recent approach of bringing former NC State players back to lead marquee programs.
"When a name like Philip Rivers or any big name comes up, I think you've got to understand they've already overcome that new guy syndrome, that hurdle initially, which a lot of NIL comes down to fundraising and the dollars that can be generated.
- Winters said he believes Phillip Rivers could play a major role in stabilizing a program, particularly in the crowded Triangle sports environment.
- For the past six years, Rivers has been the head coach at Saint Michael Catholic High in Alabama, whose season ended in the playoffs last week.
- Winters said Rivers' playing experience and ties to the school could help overcome concerns about his lack of college coaching experience.
- NC State has yet to hire a new general manager for its football program after parting ways with GM Andy Vaughn in late October.
- "I think the reality is a lot of the donors that are forking out these checks, they watched Rivers throw all those touchdowns.
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